R&J, a gender-reversed Romeo and Juliet

This is the R & J Shakespeare wrote. Yes, the gender roles are reversed and the production strips away the 'traditional' trappings of the play, but if that shakes us out of our expectations, makes us pay attention--even with a "Show Me" attitude, it's all to the good. As with Ellen Geer's wonderful Queen Lear last summer at (which several in this company were part of) switching the genders challenges our assumptions, broadens our empathy, lets us hear the words.. and Oliver and Schneider especially, as Julian and Romea, succeed wonderfully in making the so-familiar speeches of their two lovers seem newly-thought, newly spoken, as if we are hearing them for the first time. It's not easy, but they make it seem so. And that's a rare gift.... full review

R&J was completely absorbing. The acting was excellent. I was most impressed how the play was condensed to its major elements to fit into the one hour limit. Romea & Julian were so passionate in their love for each other it made for a very emotional experience.... full review

I had been jonesing for some good Shakespeare lately, which unfortunately can be considered an oxymoron at times, so when I first heard that a friend of a friend was doing Romeo & Juliet, my ears perked up with excitement. Then I heard him say "gender-reversed" and I sort of tuned out a bit. I thought to myself, "Oh, another let's screw up Shakespeare by putting it in outer space and in the future and all the monologues are delivered ironically." When it comes to Shakespeare, I find that I'm a bit of a traditionalist. The man wrote some really good stuff, there's no need to fuck with it. Some things are just better the way they were meant to be. But when the fellow actor explained exactly what he meant by "gender-reversed" and that ... full review

I saw the original production on MIY's gender-swapped take on the Bard's classic (if over done) tragedy. There were strong moments and performances in that version, but it was definitely in the workshop stages as an overall production. After going contemporary with The Bachelorette, I was glad to see the company return to this piece. The decision paid off immensely. Abby Craden's new, modern direction and the production's simplified and quicker scene changes matched the intense pace used by the actors to adhere to The Fringe's time constraints. While the pace was a little too hectic at times, it was completely necessary given the venue, and very well executed by a skillful ensemble. There were performance highlights cast-wide. ... full review

I will admit that going into see this show, I was only slightly interested. I say that, because I have seen and read this show so many times, that I felt they couldn't really surprise me. Boy, was I completely wrong! From the moment to two leads lock eyes, you are entranced! It is often said that the success of "Romeo & Juliet" hinges on the connection between the two leads and believing they are head over heels in love. This show did not disappoint! Through the amazing direction by Abby Craden, this cast does a brilliant job of sharing this story and allowing us to soak in the wonderful words that Shakespeare wrote. More specifically, the silent moments Craden and her cast created added such depth and life to this show. I found mysel... full review

What struck me most about this show was how the gender reversal helped the play's ability to be understood. While this is a play whose story is very well-known, many of the nuances in the Shakespearean language are often lost in modern re-tellings. However, in R&J, I found that looking through the gender-reversed perspective helped me to catch and follow these subtleties, and overall made the piece more enjoyable. Something else that stood out to me was how the gender swap brought out more of the defining characteristics of the characters. In seeing Romeo as a female, the flighty and amorous nature of the youth was more pronounced, and equally so was Juliet's naivety, innocence and powerlessness as a man. The performances of the cast were gr... full review

An original, compelling and beautifully performed piece of theater. Definitely worth seeing even if you know the show really well. Made me think about Romeo and Juliet in ways I never have before. A fast paced exciting production. I highly recommend. ... full review

I really loved this show. Having worked on this production, when Mine is Yours first produced it back in November, it is amazing to see how this show has grown. Abby Craden and Sam Szabo have really done a great job of defining the world of the play, and that world is dangerous and tense, and a great starting place for all the drama of the show. The staging was simple. No trees, no benches, no fancy balcony, just a few trunks, simple lighting, wonderfully designed by Shen Heckel, and beautiful music, used to create and transition amongst, the different settings throughout the play. This simplicity allowed the audience to focus on the real beauty of the production, which was the nuanced performances and deep relationships of all the ... full review

This was a great production of Romeo and Juliet! The reverse gender casting highlighted so many elements of this play that would usually go unnoticed to me (the idea that the sole purpose of women in this society was to be sold, that men were bred to fight to the death for meaningless honor, etc). Mary Ellen Schneider was absolutely amazing as Rome(a), and Taylor Jackson Ross was a delightful Benvoli(a). ... full review

Smartly directed and thought provoking, R&J puts a fresh spin on a well-known story. Mary Ellen Schneider's Romea is so adorably in love with Dane Oliver's innocent Julian, that any cynicism you may have about this Romeo & Juliet will fall away as easily as Romea's love for Valentine (fka Rosaline). Switching genders illuminates some of the gender politics of Shakespeare's time (and, troublingly, ours), but also allows for some great speeches to take on new life. There's excellent movement and physicality throughout, particularly of note in the Mercutia/Benvolia/Romea scenes and when Romea and Julian are finally alone together. Abby Craden doesn't pull any punches, allowing humor in where other productions forget it and directing... full review